UK’s tourism promotion budget slashed by as much as 12 percent, much to industry’s dismay

- Jun 21, 2013 3:30 am

Skift Take

UK’ tourism growth from its traditionally big markets of North America and Europe has been stagnating, and this slashing of funds, in name of austerity, will not do any wonders to its economy in the short run, or even long run.

— Rafat Ali

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The UK government is understood to have slashed funding to tourism promotion body VisitBritain…Secretary of state for culture agreed to an 8% cut in budget for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) which covers tourism.

However, the European Tour Operators Association (Etoa) has learned DCMS funding for VisitBritain and VisitEngland will fall by 12%. Etoa CEO Tom Jenkins expressed dismay. He said: “The UK’s position as a tourism exporter is in a critical state. In our main markets, the UK has been losing share against other destinations in Europe.”